Built on Truth

Brett Wheeless
  • 4.6 (9)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The Christian Fitness Podcast In a world drowning in compromise, Built on Truth stands for something greater. A return to unwavering principles, real strength, and a life built on the solid foundation of truth of the Bible. This is not just another self-improvement podcast. It’s a deep dive into the core of what it means to be a man of faith, to pursue physical and mental resilience, and to build your life with wisdom and conviction. You’ll hear thought-provoking stories on strength and faith that shapes character, training, and manhood that leads with purpose The truth demands courage.

  1. 5D AGO

    PART 2 Navy SEAL David Parker: Courage, Conviction, and the Cost of Truth

    Courage isn’t charging into gunfire.It’s being willing to lose everything for what’s right. In the season 2 finale of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless continues his conversation with retired Navy SEAL David Parker, diving deep into courage, leadership failure, betrayal, conviction, war, faith, and the cost of standing alone. David shares: What real courage looks like under fire Why men fear confronting leadership more than death The psychological cost of betrayal by your own people How conviction is forged through sacrifice Why purpose must be greater than fear How suffering without meaning destroys men This episode isn’t comfortable.It’s honest. Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, masculinity, leadership, and living with conviction in a world that punishes it. Subscribe for weekly conversations that sharpen men instead of numbing them. 00:00 – Courage vs Fear04:30 – Being Shot At vs Facing Leadership08:40 – Leadership Failure in Combat13:30 – The Cost of Speaking Up18:50 – Betrayal from Your Own Team24:00 – Conviction vs Reputation30:10 – Why Men Stay Silent36:30 – Faith, Suffering, and Meaning44:00 – Why Purpose Must Be Greater Than Fear YOUTUBE CHAPTERS (OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED)

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 1

    Navy SEAL David Parker | Why God, Not Success, Gives Men Purpose (Part 1)

    Achievement doesn’t save men. In this episode of the Built on Truth Podcast, Brett Wheeless talks with a retired Navy SEAL about why success, status, and accomplishment so often leave men feeling hollow. This conversation covers: Why winning doesn’t satisfy The difference between empathy and accountability What BUD/S and combat really reveal about character Leadership, loneliness, and responsibility Why suffering needs purpose to mean anything If you’ve ever checked the boxes and still felt empty, this episode will hit home. Built on Truth is a podcast about faith, strength, discipline, and living with conviction in a confused world.

    52 min

  3. 11/26/2025

    Randy O'Connell: Finding God in the Wilderness

    In this episode, Brett sits down with one of the most interesting men he’s ever met — Randy O’Connell. Randy’s life is a tapestry of wild adventure, deep faith, and decades of outdoor leadership. From biking 135 miles through 117° heat in Death Valley, to summiting Mount Whitney, to climbing 20,000-foot peaks in Peru with nothing but a couple ice axes and a pack of pemican bars, Randy’s stories feel like they’re straight out of a novel. But behind the adventures is a man shaped by God’s grace. Randy shares openly about childhood epilepsy, youth-group moments that changed everything, and the privilege of leading countless young people into both the wilderness and a deeper understanding of Jesus. We talk climbing, parenting, calling, ministry, fear, hallucinating Texaco stations at altitude, and why the wilderness remains one of the clearest places Randy hears the voice of God. This conversation is funny, profound, humble, and packed with wisdom.

    25 min

  4. 09/30/2025

    Eric Carmody - From CrossFit Games to Christ

    In this episode, Brett sits down with Eric Carmody, a CrossFit Games athlete, husband, father, and Christian, to unpack his journey through elite sport, injury, faith, and transformation. Eric’s story takes us from football fields to CrossFit gyms across the globe, through devastating injury and unexpected detours, and ultimately to a new life built on truth in Christ. Key Topics & Highlights The Injury That Changed Everything Eric tore his rotator cuff (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) and ligament in a freak accident on the rings before the CrossFit Open. Surgery left him sidelined for 9+ months, forcing him to rethink identity, fitness, and recovery. CrossFit Journey Former defensive lineman at Jacksonville University → lost 80+ lbs through P90X and running → discovered CrossFit on a trip to Costa Rica. Progressed from early competitions to qualifying for the CrossFit Games (Asia Regional champ, Invictus athlete in San Diego). Reflections on CrossFit’s growth: from ESPN broadcasts to transforming mainstream gym culture (reviving barbell and free weight training). Life Abroad: Korea Years Moved to Seoul, South Korea to coach at Reebok CrossFit Sentinel during its explosive boom. Experienced rapid gym expansion, investor culture, and eventually the collapse of the franchise. Shares wild stories about expat life, drinking culture, and gym politics, including immigration challenges and shady business dealings. Competition & Training Insights Training twice a day, 5 days a week: “There’s no secret—just suffering consistently.” The truth about zone 2 training vs. hard intervals in elite CrossFit prep. Known for freak strength numbers, including a 255 lb strict press (well above most elite athletes). Faith Journey Came to San Diego in 2017, still not a believer. A relationship with a pastor led him into Scripture (Book of John). Conviction about lifestyle led to repentance and leaving sin behind. A pivotal sermon on the Prodigal Son & the 99/1 sheep in Luke broke through: realizing he was the “one” Jesus sought. Shares the cost of obedience, breaking off a relationship, and rebuilding life with God at the center. Legacy & Truth Eric’s story is about resilience through pain, the emptiness of chasing performance, and the greater calling found in faith. He emphasizes discipline, honesty, and perseverance as the foundation for both fitness and faith.

    58 min

  5. 08/28/2025

    From Rock & Roll to Redemption: The Nick Duellman Story

    Nicholas Duellman’s story is one of radical transformation. From chasing the rock & roll dream in San Diego… to running one of the largest corporate wellness gym networks in the country… to losing it all during COVID. Through it all, Nick found something greater than success: the truth of the Gospel. In this episode of Built on Truth, Nick shares: Growing up in Minnesota and moving west to pursue music The fire, forgotten birthday, and “1129 miracle” that led him to Christ Building (and losing) a 16-location corporate wellness business Why consistency beats intensity in fitness and in faith The call for Christian men to steward their bodies, lead their families, and disciple through example This is a powerful testimony of faith, resilience, and what it means to live Built on Truth.

    46 min

  6. 08/08/2025

    When the Body Fails, Faith Fights: The Adam Aguirre Story of Surviving Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

    When Adam Aguirre was suddenly paralyzed by Guillain-Barré Syndrome in 2021, he found himself trapped in his own body—unable to speak, breathe, or move. But what followed was a story of unimaginable grit, faith, and the relentless love of family. This episode will change the way you look at life.

    1h 15m
  7. Faith, Fries & Fatherhood: Zach Zimmerman’s Story of Grit, Grace, and God’s Provision

    07/21/2025

    Faith, Fries & Fatherhood: Zach Zimmerman’s Story of Grit, Grace, and God’s Provision

    Zach Zimmerman is a Chick-fil-A owner-operator, former professional spikeball player, and a devoted Christian husband and father. In this episode of Built on Truth, Zach shares his powerful testimony — from growing up with sacrificial parents, to surrendering his life to Christ, to becoming one of the few selected Chick-fil-A operators in the U.S. We dive into his journey through career uncertainty, learning to trust God’s timing, and leading his business and family with a servant’s heart. This one is for the men striving to lead well, love deeply, and live with eternal purpose.

    55 min
  8. Faith at 8,000 Feet: From Mission-Driven to God-Led

    07/09/2025

    Faith at 8,000 Feet: From Mission-Driven to God-Led

    In this powerful episode of Built on Truth, Brett sits down with Matt Mangaran — a Navy helicopter pilot, husband, and father — to unpack his journey from chasing the “golden path” of career success to finding lasting identity in Christ. From his Filipino-American upbringing and military legacy to a near-death experience flying blind through an ice storm, Matt’s story is one of clarity through chaos. They dive into: – His conversion from Catholicism to a personal relationship with Christ – The cost of performance-driven living and the idol of career – What it means to be above reproach and respected by other men – The new mission God gave him as a father and leader If you’ve ever wrestled with ambition, identity, or spiritual apathy, this episode will move you.

    57 min
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4.6
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

The Christian Fitness Podcast In a world drowning in compromise, Built on Truth stands for something greater. A return to unwavering principles, real strength, and a life built on the solid foundation of truth of the Bible. This is not just another self-improvement podcast. It’s a deep dive into the core of what it means to be a man of faith, to pursue physical and mental resilience, and to build your life with wisdom and conviction. You’ll hear thought-provoking stories on strength and faith that shapes character, training, and manhood that leads with purpose The truth demands courage.

Information

  • Creator
    Brett Wheeless
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Brett Wheeless
  • Show Website
    Built on Truth